Phenylpropanoids in radioregulation: double edged sword

Exp Mol Med. 2011 Jun 30;43(6):323-33. doi: 10.3858/emm.2011.43.6.034.

Abstract

Radiotherapy, frequently used for treatment of solid tumors, carries two main obstacles including acquired radioresistance in cancer cells during radiotherapy and normal tissue injury. Phenylpropanoids, which are naturally occurring phytochemicals found in plants, have been identified as potential radiotherapeutic agents due to their anti-cancer activity and relatively safe levels of cytotoxicity. Various studies have proposed that these compounds could not only sensitize cancer cells to radiation resulting in inhibition of growth and cell death but also protect normal cells against radiation-induced damage. This review is intended to provide an overview of recent investigations on the usage of phenylpropanoids in combination with radiotherapy in cancer treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Apoptosis / radiation effects
  • Chromones / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cytoprotection / drug effects
  • Cytoprotection / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Phenylpropionates / therapeutic use
  • Plants
  • Radiation Tolerance / drug effects
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Radiotherapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Chromones
  • Phenylpropionates
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents